Antonio Conte has been handed a huge boost in Tottenham Hotspur’s quest for a spot in the top four, with Cristian Romero set to avoid a two-game ban.
This was highlighted by the reliable Spurs journalist Alasdair Gold, who had been discussing the Lilywhite’s victory over Aston Villa on his YouTube channel.
Has Romero been Paratici's best signing?
Yes
No
The Argentinian joined Spurs in the summer with a pretty poor disciplinary record from his time in Serie A, which carried over into his displays in the Premier League.
Despite being injured for three months with a serious hamstring issue, in just 18 top flight appearances, the 23-year-old had picked up eight yellow cards (via Transfermarkt).
And ahead of the 32nd game of the Premier League campaign, Romero needed to avoid picking up a 10th yellow card to avoid being hit with a two-game suspension.
Spurs will play their 32nd league game of the season on Saturday against Brighton & Hove Albion and Gold picked up on the Argentinian avoiding the potential suspension.
Gold said: “He just suddenly came over to the left-hand side and was making a big one of those, you know, those where he kind of likes to almost come through the back of someone to get the ball challenges. And he was doing it and he missed and it was like, ‘thank God you missed’ because what he did manage to do yesterday [Saturday] was not get a yellow card.
“Which in isolation sounds like, so? But actually, it was really crucial because, if you weren’t aware, if he was to get a yellow card yesterday [Saturday] at Villa Park and one at Brighton, he would have reached 10 yellow cards and he would have then missed two matches.
“However, as it is now, unless he goes and gets himself sent off against Brighton, even if he gets one yellow card against Brighton after that game, next weekend is the cut-off point and they get wiped off.”
TIF Thoughts on Gold’s comments…
Romero has been a great addition to this Spurs side and there is little doubt his return to the squad has helped Spurs on their way to the improved form they are showing now.
And he has become a mainstay in Conte’s XI having played just about every minute in the Premier League since returning from his hamstring injury.
His biggest flaw has been his poor discipline in picking up numerous yellow cards. However, the Argentine has shown across the last three games he can avoid having his name taken.
And although he has picked up four yellow cards since he returned to the side 11 games ago, it is a slightly better record to the four yellows in five games prior to picking up his injury (via Transfermarkt).
In other news: Journalist hints Levy set to secure first Spurs summer signing, he is an ‘animal’